While Queen Camilla manages her own royal responsibilities, she has shown a keen interest in taking on a specific royal duty. This revelation came after she took a break from her tasks to support her husband, King Charles III, amid his cancer diagnosis.
At a recent visit to the Garden Museum in London, Queen Camilla hinted at her desire to take over King Charles III’s role as patron of the museum. This marks her third visit to the museum.
The visit took place in London, where she praised its charm and significance and emphasized the importance of recognizing women’s contributions to gardening.
“I know my husband is the patron but, um, I might have to nudge him,” she joked. “I’d quite like to take that one away from him because it’s such a special place that every time I’m asked, I just have to come back again.”
The Queen, wearing a navy blue outfit with a matching gray purse and heels, visited the museum’s garden exhibition featuring notable female members of the Bloomsbury Set, including authors Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West.
Camilla emphasized the importance of recognizing women gardeners, who she noted are often overshadowed by men. “This wonderful exhibition celebrating women in gardening is so important, and so beautifully curated by Claudia, and I know it attracts many many visitors I’m sure it’s going to attract a lot more,” she said.
Continuing the theme of support for gardening, royal florist Shane Connolly praised the royal couple’s involvement. He noted that it was “absolutely fantastic” that both Charles and Camilla are avid gardeners, providing exceptional support and engagement.
Shane, who created the floral displays for the King”s Coronation and Charles and Camilla’s 2005 wedding, said the royal couple believes gardening is for everyone and values its therapeutic benefits.
Gardener and museum president Alan Titchmarsh echoed Shane’s sentiment, expressing delight at the Queen’s enthusiasm. “We would be very happy to have the Queen and the King as patron, either or both. We just love that she loves to come,” he said.
Camilla’s visit to the Garden Museum followed her appearance at The Queen’s Reading Room Festival 2024 at Hampton Court Palace.
Dressed in an all-black outfit, she joined actors like Helena Bonham Carter, authors, and members of the public. Hundreds of people gathered to celebrate literature and enjoy various activities.
Enjoying the festivities, Camilla interacted with the crowd, notably meeting and engaging with a little girl, showcasing her warm and approachable demeanor.
Visitors enjoyed a star-studded lineup of literary acts, sampled street food, explored the gardens of Hampton Court, and discovered new authors.
Camilla’s visits to the Garden Museum and The Queen’s Reading Room Festival marked her return to public engagements after taking a brief hiatus to be with her ailing husband and family.
In March, Camilla took a break from engagements to spend private time with the King and her family. She resumed on March 11, leading the royal family at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.
The public was both worried about the King’s health after his cancer diagnosis and relieved that Camilla would be able to rest for a while. “She deserves a break. She may need to spend more time with Charles,” said a user.
While some are happy for Camilla, others cannot stop thinking about the reasons for this sudden break. “Can’t stop thinking is Charles’s cancer more serious than we were told!” commented a user. “I would assume that the king has got way worse cancer than they say,” said another.
Despite facing the challenge of King Charles’s cancer diagnosis, Camilla maintained her royal responsibilities. She showed her support for various causes, from the “500 Words” competition promoting children’s literacy to diplomatic discussions with Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska.
As the Queen balanced her duties and carved out time for a break, King Charles received a wave of support. Over 7,000 letters and cards from around the world, including notes from children and cancer survivors, poured in. The palace and the King expressed gratitude for this comfort during a trying time.
“Such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement,” said the King. The monarch admitted that the kind letters were overwhelming for him and “reduced him to tears most of the time.”
Camilla not only supported her husband’s speedy recovery but she also addressed Princess Catherine of Wales’ cancer diagnosis.
At a recent public market appearance in Shrewsbury, Camilla interacted with royal fans and even took a keepsake from an interaction she had with two young girls.
As she strolled amongst the stalls, her presence ignited a fervor among those gathered, with fans eagerly holding up signs, their messages a blend of welcome and goodwill. The air buzzed with the sound of voices calling out to the Queen Consort as she wandered through the market.
Among the sea of signs and well-wishers, a particularly poignant moment unfolded as Camilla approached a group of young girls, their hands clasping signs that bore messages of love and support for Catherine, who has been battling cancer.
Among them was a young girl, her sign simple yet powerful, reading, “Send our love to Kate.” This touching display led Camilla to speak directly to the girls.
The Queen Consort engaged with the group, ensuring that their heartfelt messages would reach Catherine. Camilla remarked that Catherine would be “thrilled” with the signs, a statement that not only acknowledged their efforts but also bridged the gap between the royal family and the public.
Taking the signs from the group, she promised to deliver them to Catherine. The girls were sisters Lois, six, and Harriet, ten. The promise to transport their letters “carefully” for the Princess was made amidst apologies from Harriet about the cards’ slightly creased condition, a result of the day’s blustery wind.
“I’ll take them carefully and will make sure she knows they’re coming,” Camilla responded, her voice carrying the weight of assurance and comfort.
Following this encounter, Harriet shared, “We heard the news and I wanted to hold the poster up to show my love to Kate.” Lucy Waterston, the mother of the two girls, expressed her surprise and gratitude towards the Queen’s gesture, highlighting the unexpected but cherished interaction.
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